I’m sitting on the beach in Cape May. My phone rings.I see it’s from Narciso Crook, a former Gallagher player and a flat out great kid. I answer and he tells me he is about to board a plane to Chicago to play for the Cubs. He called to thank me. I can’t stop smiling. He made it!
Dave Gallagher
33K posts
Played MLB 9 years(Indians,White Sox,Orioles,Angels,Mets,Braves,Phillies). Senior Advisor Centercourt Baseball, Chiefs, Bruins,Bourbon!
- After a trade from the Mets to the Braves, Braves coach Jimy Williams told me the reason they traded for me. He said “ you were on our field at 2:00 doing early work prior to a 7:00 game. Our staff noticed the effort you put in”. You never know.
- I’ve watched this over and over. I played 8 seasons of minor league ball before 9 in MLB. I used to take walks through neighborhoods in Iowa, Calgary, etc…Often wondering if I should be with my family on 4th of July (backyard picnics). You miss so much. #perserverenceAfter over 1,100 games in the Minor Leagues, Drew Maggi gets a standing ovation in his first MLB at bat 🥹
- I, for one,criticized NFL refs all season. As a Chiefs fan for 50 years I have a message to Patriot fans. Calls did not decide the game. Brilliant coach planned schemes on both sides of the ball plus a goat at QB with tons of experience flat beat us. No sour grapes here. #NFL
- BASE COACH POSITIONING: With a runner on 1B, yelling “go” on dirt balls or “back” on a throw over is for bad base runners. Your command comes AFTER a cognitive read by both you and the runner and is therefore late. Being informative pre pitch is more effective. Please read on…
- At age 13, Jimmy was a SS with a size 14 shoe and long fingers. I remember thinking how good the ball came out of his hand. Age 16 he was a pitcher who lacked command. Parents complained that we couldn’t win and advance in tournaments when he pitched. Glad I didn’t listen to themJimmy Yacabonis, Wicked 84mph Slider (path). 🤢
GIF - If you attend a youth baseball game, sit and listen a few innings. Our kids are being robbed of the ability to self correct- an important quality for any player hoping to compete at higher levels. Every pitch is filled with advice from several people simultaneously. Is that fun?
- My profound thought for the day:I can’t express enough how much BASEBALL educated me in race relations.Also introduced me to religious and lifestyle differences. Added words like empathy and tolerance to my vocabulary.Much more than 14 years of institutional education did for me!
- I recall sliding into Billy Ripken attempting to break up two. Hit him hard across the legs but he still turned it. He helped me up, slapped me on the butt and said “way to play the game”. I later played with him and Cal with their dad as a coach. All 3 would have it no other wayIf you’re that chapped about a slide, then do something about it rather than wait for umpires/teammates to get between you…McNeil had the opportunity all to himself. Good hard-nosed baseball.
- I played on the Mets for two years. I returned to NY as a Brave in 1994. Pregame I heard a Met fan shouting to me. He asked if I could sign a game warn Gallagher jersey. I asked why. He said “ you always took the field like you wanted to be out there”. He noticed my hustle!
- TRAIN YOUR BRAIN: I once disagreed with a prominent MLB sports psychologist who stated in a seminar “ athletes need to realize they’re playing a game. It’s fun!” I commented “ teach me how to perform when I’ve lost confidence, not how to pretend I’m having fun”. Please read on…
- As a Braves CF in 1994 I listened to Maddox describe a 4 pitch sequence on how he would pitch to Larry Walker. Two cutters in off the plate- let him pull those foul. A 4 seamer in off the plate to back him up. Get him to roll over a change up. He executed it exactly 1st AB!Every pitch has a purpose. Sometimes he knows what he's going to throw two pitches ahead. I swear, he makes it look like guys are swinging foam bats against him. -John Smoltz on Greg Maddux
- ADVANCED HITTER TRAINING: Once you face a FB in the 90s you realize all the gadgets and exaggerated swing loads you’ve been taught are ineffective. Your hand speed and shortness of swing simply buys you time in swing decision making. Without it- you’re toast! Please read on...
- UMPIRES: The treatment of umpires from some coaches/parents has reached a new level. Most umpires park separately so they can “escape” after the game. Many get followed by disgruntled coaches/parents. It’s time to back pedal a bit before umpires become extinct.









